BMV

Originally written May 5, 2010

new car
need new plates
so off to the BMV
it's in a strip mall
park where i can
the sun is shining
casting shallow shadows
open the door
to the long lines
welcome
take your number
no cutting in line
sure i'll hold your spot
it's a place for all
walks of life
even those who stagger
piercings and tattoos
flesh hanging where
let's not go there
there's a spandex alert
crotch at the knees pants
good thing running isn't required
so it seems
no one owns a mirror
then it's just the BMV
sunglasses to shade the eyes
from seeing or being seen
bruises in strange places
what was their path
to here
and WHERE
did you
JUST
put that hand
every which way but here
prompt service
promised
which took too long
murmurs abound
disconnections
disengaged
don't stand too close to me
cell phone chatter
blue tooth headsets
are you talking to me
no one is really here
they all seem to be
just
waiting
pull up the pants
kids picking on kids
that aren't related
BE QUIET parenting
patience is a virtue
new plates are required
for us each to be legal
drivers license and proof
OF insurance please
have a seat
be right with you
eventually
then my number
no attempt at my name
how can i help you
need to register my car
this part was fast
so i have new plates now
for my shiny red car
a special one
Celebrate The Arts
it has red in it
and i like the arts
have a nice day
thank you Michael
that was his name
going to the door
slowly
another look around
like rubber necking
at the scene
of something
they are all here
at the BMV
i can go now